The flying car is still a few years from being a practical reality, let alone a sound business venture. So why do companies keep pouring millions into developing them when their designs clearly work better as a stylish iPhone dock?

The Amethyst X-1 docking system even sounds like the code name for a flying car, but instead it stays close to the ground, boosting your MP3s through a set of three speakers.

I don't think the ridiculous design is enough to justify the $150 price tag, but the fact that it can recognize hand gestures for adjusting the volume and controlling the music does make it feel like it's from the not-so-distant, but not-so-cool, future. [Brookstone via The Green Head]